1. Do Adventists believe they need to do good works to go to heaven?

Adventists believe only Jesus’ death and His resurrection make it possible for people to overcome sin and be forgiven. God provided the ultimate sacrifice so we may have the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation can be achieved only through believing in Jesus and what He did.

Adventists also believe that the way we live in faith should reflect the love and gratitude we feel for Jesus and His sacrifice. This means, among other things, helping people in need, observing the seventh-day Sabbath, and treating our bodies as “temples of God”. These ‘good works’ are a response to the assurance of salvation we have received because of our faith in Jesus, not in themselves a passport to heaven

Who are Seventh-day Adventists?

Seventh-day Adventists are Christians who want to know God better and experience Him more in their lives each day. They are people with real experiences who can share hope in Jesus with you-a hope that gives life, meaning and direction. It is this hope that gives them the reason to believe, motivation to teach and a desire to help others.

As an active global church, the Adventist Church numbers millions of baptised adult members worldwide. Membership is growing at a rate of almost one million every year, with new members joining the church at the rate of one every 35 seconds.

Meaning of our logo and name

View our History section to learn about our heritage

Where do Adventists find hope?

Seventh-day Adventists treasure the Bible as their only creed. They believe it is God's message to humankind. The Bible contains all that people need to know about God and salvation, and about the basic principles for human relationships and practical godliness.

Central to Adventists' understanding and practice is a firm belief in: God the Creator, Jesus Christ His Son and the presence of the Holy Spirit; Christ's death and resurrection; and salvation that is received solely through faith in God's grace in Jesus Christ.

View our Worship section to find resources for studying the Bible.

How do Adventists experience this hope?

In response to God's message of love, Seventh-day Adventists desire a community of faith where each person will experience unconditional commitment to Jesus Christ and to one another. An experience with God develops through Bible study, prayer and worship. It also develops in nature and in relationships. Personal and corporate experiences are the result of active participation in the life of the church and compassionate service to everyone, anywhere.

How do Adventists share their hope?

Our hands of hope

Seventh-day Adventists are actively involved in religious liberty and human rights issues, humanitarian aid and development, health and wholeness, education and personal growth and social and community issues. Some 1000 Adventists serve as short- or long-term volunteers each year. Most volunteer as ministers or teachers, or on fly'n'builds and service projects.

Adventists reach out to provide practical help to those requiring development assistance and those affected by disaster. They do this through organisations such as the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). This aid is free of discrimination. It includes food aid, medical supplies, equipment and building materials, education programs and facilities, drug awareness, agricultural development, social action and more.

View our Community Support section to learn how we can help you.

How are Adventists helping to build a better future?

Hope has a future

Seventh-day Adventists are committed to making Adventist education accessible. The church operates one of the largest unified Protestant education systems in the world. At the heart of Adventist education is the conviction that true growth comes only when we meet a person's the mental, physical and spiritual needs.

An increasing number of students are enrolling in Adventist primary and secondary schools in the South Pacific. Avondale, Pacific Adventist University, Sonoma College and Fulton College provide quality tertiary education in Australia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

Adventist education is available to all, not just to Adventists.

View our Education section to learn more or browse our directory to find a school near you.

Why do Adventists choose a healthy lifestyle?

Hope for a better life

Not only concerned with spiritual health, Seventh-day Adventists promote a healthier lifestyle-free of alcohol, smoking and the use of illegal drugs. Seminars and nutrition programs continue to benefit many in the community who are looking for balance in their life.

The church-owned Sanitarium Health Food Company, the leading health-food manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand, believes in the philosophy of a better life through better nutrition. Sanitarium, established in 1898, produces a range of healthy foods that actively improve wellbeing. Company nutrition specialists provide advice and information to consumers and health professionals, and the company donates its profits to charitable projects.

View our Health section to learn what community health programs we run and tips on living a better lifestyle.

Why do Adventists run hospitals and clinics?

Hope for healing

Medical ministry has been another important aspect of Seventh-day Adventists' commitment to health and wholeness. Two hospitals and many clinics assist the church in the South Pacific to fulfil this ministry.

Good health, nurture and healing of the whole person, and education in the principles of good living and disease prevention, have been the goals of the Sydney Adventist Hospital (the San) since its establishment in 1903. The San is one of the largest and all-inclusive hospitals in Australia.

Atoifi Adventist Hospital also provides healing and education in the Solomon Islands.

Read more about our hospitals in the South Pacific.

How can Adventists help your family?

Hope for families

The Seventh-day Adventist Church values the family. It also recognises the need to cater for all groups. Many programs focusing on children, youth, singles, couples and senior citizens provide skills to educate and activities to strengthen healthy relationships.

The church runs Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs for children and teenagers. It also provides age-specific Bible-study (or Sabbath school) classes every Saturday. They offer different worship styles and discussion groups.

Adventists operate counselling centres and women's refuges for people in crisis to provide support and counselling for those who are struggling in relationships.

View our Life Development section to find out more.

How are Adventists communicating?

Hope has a voice

Seventh-day Adventists take seriously the special task of reminding the community that Jesus Christ is returning soon. To share this and other timely messages, the church in the South Pacific operates Adventist Media and Signs Publishing Company. These institutions produce radio, television, video and print resources. Adventist Book Centres have these and other Christian items available for purchase. Anyone can visit the bookshops.

An extensive satellite network and a Discovery Centre providing home-study courses and a Dial-a-Prayer service are other communication avenues. Signs of the Times magazine continues to grow in popularity.

View our Publishing and our Audio and Visual section to learn more about these services.

How many people are Adventists?

Our statistics

With the Seventh-day Adventist Church growing at the rate of one new member worldwide for every 35 seconds, the numbers are changing constantly.

In this section, you can keep track of the latest Seventh-day Adventist statistics from the South Pacific and around the world.

South Pacific statistics
World Statistics

1. Do people have to be vegetarians to be Adventists?

Being a vegetarian is not a requirement to be a Seventh-day Adventist, and we do not believe people who choose an alternative dietary lifestyle will miss out on salvation.

Not all Adventists are vegetarian. A lifestyle survey by the Adventist Health in the South Pacific in 2001 revealed that only 50% of older Adventists and a quarter of younger church members are vegetarians.

Adventists believe in a holistic approach to religion, which includes honouring God with our minds, bodies and souls. The holistic approach recommends a predominantly vegetarian diet, where such is practically possible, that includes eggs and dairy products because of its proven health benefits. Research shows Adventists who follow a vegetarian lifestyle and refrain from alcohol, tobacco and other harmful substances greatly reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Visit the Adventist Health Survey for more information.